Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In January 1946, the Government decided that the then Taoiseach, Mr. de Valera, should examine the question of an honours list, as they put it, in the light of the relevant provisions of the Constitution and of the practice in other countries. A draft memorandum setting out those general lines for a State declaration of honour was circulated to the Departments of Finance and External Affairs for observations. The system they proposed comprised An Chraobh Ruadh and An tÓrdan Feibhe. The Taoiseach was to make proposals to Government. An Chraobh Ruadh - the Red Branch - would be limited to 25 persons, with An tÓrdan Feibhe, first class, limited to 100 persons, and second class limited to 250 persons, and distinctions to be conferred by the President on the advice of the Government.

In 1948, the draft memorandum was brought to the attention of the new Taoiseach, Mr. Costello, who decided that while the matter should not be abandoned entirely, it should be deferred for the time being. In 1953, a revised draft memorandum, based on the 1946 version, was brought to the attention of the then Taoiseach, Mr. de Valera, who, having consulted his Cabinet colleagues, decided that the time was "not opportune" for the institution of an honours system. In May 1956, the Minister for Defence submitted a memorandum to the Taoiseach, Mr. Costello, who decided that the question should be left aside for further consideration at a later time.

In November 1959, following more public discussion, the then Taoiseach, Mr. Lemass, indicated that the matter should not be pursued actively until such time as there emerged evidence of widespread public interest. The following January, the Department of External Affairs suggested the establishment of an interdepartmental committee to examine the matter. This was not pursued in view of the Taoiseach's decision the previous November.

In 1963, the Government, following consideration of a memorandum from the Taoiseach, Mr. Lemass, approved in principle a proposal that a State declaration of honour be instituted. It authorised him to consult with the Opposition leaders in Dáil Éireann with a view to securing their acceptance in principle of the proposal and agreed that if the concurrence in principle of the Opposition parties was obtained, the details of an appropriate scheme would be settled by a joint committee of both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Taoiseach wrote to the leaders of the Fine Gael and Labour Parties. The Labour Party responded that before it could agree even in principle to the proposal, it would prefer to have talks on the type of scheme envisaged, while the Fine Gael party simply indicated that it would not be expedient at that time to proceed with this proposal. In view of this, the matter was not pursued.

In March 1991, the then Taoiseach, Mr. Haughey, wrote to party leaders inviting them to exploratory talks on the introduction of an honours system. All party leaders responded, saying they were willing to meet the Taoiseach. The leader of the Workers' Party felt it was not a priority and, if a system was established, it should be free from political patronage and should not be hereditary or of monetary value. The leader of the Fine Gael Party asked that the Taoiseach outline the system he had in mind, while the leader of the Labour Party simply accepted the invitation. However, these talks did not take place, as the political climate was not right. The issue was viewed as low priority and there was a lack of public demand.

In April 1994, the then Taoiseach, Mr. Reynolds, wrote to Opposition party leaders asking for their views on the introduction of an honours system. The only reply he received was from the Fine Gael Party leader, who stated that he supported the concept in principle and was willing to participate in an exploration of the idea. He explained and suggested mechanisms for selecting people.

In September 1999, the then Taoiseach, Mr. Ahern, initiated consultations with other party leaders. He asked the Government Chief Whip to represent the Government at a meeting with representatives of the other party leaders. Senator Manning, representing Fine Gael at the time, subsequently wrote to the Chief Whip indicating that, having consulted with the Front Bench, the overwhelming majority felt the question of an honours system should not be pursued further. The Taoiseach accepted the views expressed and decided not to do so.

In October 2007, the Taoiseach again wrote to the party leaders, inviting them to discussions. Fine Gael and Sinn Féin responded favourably, while the Labour Party indicated it would bring proposals before the parliamentary party. The last Taoiseach, Mr. Cowen, did not pursue the matter with the other party leaders, indicating in a response to a parliamentary question that the timing of any consideration of this matter would have to take into account other political priorities.

There has been, therefore, an 80-year consideration in this regard. Article 40.2.1° still stands in that the State shall not award titles or nobility. I take the point made by Deputy Martin in respect of abuse of this in hereditary or monetary terms.

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